As dealerships around the country re-open Kia Motors Ireland will this week start deliveries of the new XCeed PHEV.
The XCeed PHEV joins the Niro PHEV, which is currently Ireland’s best selling plug in hybrid, and the Kia full EV models eSoul and eNiro. The Kia alternative energy offering will be extended later this year with the introduction of a PHEV variant of the all-new Sorento.
Kia Motors Ireland tells us it is launching the new car with just one trim level priced at €28,945 (after Government supports ).It adds that the car is generously equipped with comfort and safety features with 18” Alloy Wheels, dual zone auto aircon, 8” Android Auto/Apple Car Play, rear privacy glass, rain sensors, lane keep assist, and forward collision avoidance.
Kia adds that the new XCeed PHEV offers a compelling alternative to conventional petrol and diesel models. The new powertrain combines an 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, a 44.5 kW electric motor, and an efficient 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder GDI (gasoline direct injection ) engine.
The powertrain claims total power and torque output is 141 ps and 265 Nm, enabling the Kia XCeed to accelerate from 0-to-100 kph in 11.0 seconds. It is also paired with a six-speed double-clutch transmission (6DCT ), which Kia says: allows drivers to shift gear for themselves, ensuring a more enjoyable drive than other hybrid vehicles equipped with electronic continuously-variable transmissions (e-CVT ).
Traditional e-CVT hybrids convert a portion of engine output through the electric motor, resulting in power losses from energy conversion. Kia’s 6DCT differs by allowing the full output of both the engine and motor to be transferred in parallel through the transmission, with minimal loss of energy.
Standard regenerative braking technology allows the new Plug-in Hybrid to harvest kinetic energy and recharge its battery pack while coasting or braking, further enhancing the overall efficiency of the powertrain.
The XCeed PHEV is capable of travelling up to a claimed 54 kilometres on zero-emissions electric power (NEDC combined cycle ). This capability enables drivers to complete the majority of average daily drives and short commutes on electric power alone.
The PHEV is equipped with Kia’s new ‘Virtual Engine Sound System’, an audible warning system which activates in electric-only mode at low speeds or when reversing. The system generates virtual sound levels to safely notify pedestrians of the car’s presence.
Like its petrol and diesel counterparts, the XCeed Plug-in Hybrid has been engineered exclusively for European roads, with European buyers in mind. The ride and handling characteristics have been tuned to elevate it over predecessors in terms of dynamism and driver engagement.
Kia claims yay the fully-independent suspension system provides drivers with agile and immediate handling responses. The ride has been developed on Europe’s wide variety of road surfaces, remaining comfortable while giving drivers the confidence of close body control under cornering and maximum stability at higher speeds. The suspension and steering has been subtly tuned compared to gasoline and diesel versions.
Exclusive to the Kia XCeed, the Plug-in Hybrid model features the same front suspension hydraulic rebound stoppers as its gasoline and diesel counterparts. The rubber bump-stop floats in hydraulic fluid within the shock absorbers, providing a compliant ride over poor surfaces.
Kia says that the car has been designed to absorb even large suspension shocks with a smooth and progressive response, preventing the body from bouncing as the suspension settles itself after rapid compression. It also contributes towards more responsive steering and improved overall body control, while reducing noise from the suspension over bumps.
Technology further enhances driver enjoyment, as well as safety with Electronic Stability Control (ESC ) and Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM ) system as standard, as well as Torque Vectoring by Braking, which intelligently brakes the inside wheels to reduce understeer around corners.
The Ceed model line-up was engineered from the start to accommodate new hybrid powertrains. This means that the adoption of a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Kia XCeed n has had a minimal impact on packaging, with the structure adapted from the start to contain the powertrain’s battery pack.
The 8.9 kWh battery pack is located alongside the 37-litre fuel tank beneath the rear bench, unlike many other plug-in hybrid vehicles, in which the battery pack takes up valuable cargo space. Luggage capacity in the Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid is 291 litres, growing to 1,243 litres with the rear folded down. There is a dedicated space beneath the boot floor to store the charging cable when not in use.
The new Kia XCeed Plug-in Hybrid is produced at Kia’s European manufacturing facility in Slovakia. The new model is built alongside other Ceed models on the same production line and is covered by Kia’s unique 7-Year, 150,000 km warranty as standard.
